Newcastle Pride is now just days away, and comments left on Chronicle Facebook posts show why Pride is needed now more than ever, according to a ChronicleLive editor who has written about Pride events for 11 years.
In a statement, the editor said that comment threads on Pride posts were once a safe space for excitement, but are now often full of hate. The Chronicle's Pride coverage will not stop, despite calls to 'stop covering this freak show' from people who often have 'Be Kind' on their profiles.
Hateful Comments and the Need for Pride
In the last week alone, Chronicle staff have had to hide and delete comments including someone calling Pride an 'AIDS fest', asking 'why are we still doing this cancerous event?', and questioning why 'THEY' need 'another month' to celebrate. Others ask 'when is Straight Pride?'
The editor wrote: 'Pride exists because we remain in a society where people still have to worry about being attacked for their sexuality, afraid to be their authentic selves or hold hands with the person they love in public.'
Solidarity and Impact
The editor, who says they have many straight friends, enjoy the Bigg Market, and love football, asked why there cannot be the same solidarity for Pride as for supporting England in the World Cup. They questioned how a community celebrating Pride once a year impacts daily life, and whether seeing people celebrate love has a detrimental effect on well-being.
Monitoring and Support
Policing every comment 24/7 is impossible, the editor said, but they will continue to monitor posts, ban abusive users, and urge readers to report hateful comments to Facebook. They do not want to turn off comments on Pride posts, as they want the content visible for positive engagement.
The editor concluded on a positive note, wishing those looking forward to Newcastle Pride an amazing time, and urging them not to let hate dull their shine.
